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Inside one small business' rebranding decision

By Mark Hoover

Mar 14, 2014

Sometimes, when a company evolves, the old name just doesn’t cut it anymore. That was the case for CSSS.NET, who a few months ago rebranded and became known as Constellation West in order to mark a new era in the company.

CSSS.NET wasn’t just a funky name; it stood for Client Server Software Solutions, which was the name that company president and CEO Lisa Wolford chose to use for incorporation since she was an architect for client server technologies in the commercial industry.

But over the years, the company dropped its commercial work and began working in the federal market, Wolford said, so CSSS.NET had lost its roots. “Client server technology doesn’t even begin to touch what we do. We do a wealth of work that goes far beyond that,” Wolford said.

“The Constellation West name really gives our customers and partners and employees a bigger picture of who we are,” she added. Wolford liked the name because Constellation refers to her company's dedication to helping both its employees and customers navigate where they want to go, whether it's helping employees navigate to the career they want, or helping customers to the solution they want.

As part of the rebranding, Omaha, Neb.-based Constellation West has opened an office in the Washington, D.C. area, and is working to get settled in a few different ways.

Her company has, for example, gotten involved in the community in the D.C. region; Wolford is currently mentoring two women – both retired marines – helping them find their sea legs in the federal contracting industry. “That doesn’t mean I’m giving them work, but I am giving them advice when they call and ask for it, and then we do team on certain things,” Wolford said.

In addition to the mentoring, Wolford serves on the board for an organization called Final Salute which provides transitional housing for homeless female veterans and their children, which is currently the fastest growing segment of the homeless population, she said.

Right now, the company is focused on finding teammates to help it land a spot on NOAA’s upcoming $3B PROTECH contract vehicle. The company sees PROTECH as an additional way to secure its new home in the nation’s capital.

About the Author

Mark Hoover is a senior staff writer with Washington Technology. You can contact him at mhoover@washingtontechnology.com, or connect with him on Twitter at @mhooverWT.

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